Quotable

"The astonishing thing is the extraordinary development of the Chinese cities in terms of modern building, motorways, trains, metros, etc. The other important factor is the way in which the Chinese are accelerating the capacity of integration between the technologies and the commercial activities in their own market."

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs DIDIER REYNDERS, expressing his surprise over huge changes in China since his first visit 30 years ago.

"Public servants should not abuse their power or turn a blind eye to prominent issues. You can quit if you think that is too difficult."

LIU YUELUN, Party chief of Foshan, Guangdong province, talking to netizens on June 19, according to New Express newspaper.

"Some people misinterpreted our instruction as not allowing press criticism in general, but in fact we have resolutely protected reporters' lawful professional rights and positively support media supervision via public opinion."

JIANG JIANGUO, Party chief of the State General Administration of Press and Publication, Radio, Film and Television, commenting on a circular from the administration that bans journalists from publishing negative comments without the approval of the news organizations they work for.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 06/27/2014 page3)